23-1483m Update to Existing Law Adds Associates as Qualified Autism Service Professionals
Date: 12/28/23
Change goes into effect on January 1, 2024
Senate Bill 8051 expands the criteria for a qualified autism services professional who can provide and administer behavioral health treatment plans. The following are now included, as defined and regulated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology. If these professionals meet the definition, they also meet the training requirements.
- Psychological associate.
- Associate marriage and family therapist.
- Associate clinical social worker.
- Associate professional clinical counselor.
Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders
For information about screening, diagnostic evaluation and more, go to the Provider Library and select the plan type. Then under the Benefits section of the Provider Operations Manual, select Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Other available resources
The following online resources are available to help with the screening, diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
- AAP recommendations for preventive care.
- Early Start Program.
- Health Net medical policy, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- Other AAP resources.
- Regional Centers contact information.
1 To view Senate Bill 805, go to https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB805/id/2789674.
Additional information
Relevant sections of Health Net’s provider operations manuals have been revised to reflect the information contained in this update as applicable. Provider operations manuals are available electronically in the Provider Library on Health Net’s provider portal > Provider Library under Quick Links, or go directly to provider library.
If you have questions regarding information contained in this update), contact the Health Net Provider Services Center by email, by phone or through the Health Net provider portal.
This information applies to Participating Physician Groups (PPGs).